Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

Sourwood is a fairly common understory tree in areas with dry, acidic soil. Fragrant sprays of small white flowers in late spring/early summer and brilliant scarlet leaves in fall.

Chatham Co., NC 6/13/10.

The large, simple, finely serrate leaves have an acidic taste, similar to wood-sorrel (Oxalis). Young leaves are edible. Can be difficult to remember how to spell -- note that the genus is not spelled Oxydendron and the species is not arboretum.

Hanging sprays of fragrant white urceolate (urn-shaped) flowers, arranged in racemes, appear in late spring. They are very popular with bees and other insects.